Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To compare the safety and efficacy of nedocromil sodium 2% ophthalmic solution (Alocril) compared with olopatadine hydrochloride 0.1% ophthalmic solution (Patanol) in treating individuals who have been exposed to cat dander and are exhibiting mild or greater symptoms of ocular itching. Methods: Single–center, randomized, masked, paired–comparison clinical study design with two treatment regimens. Adult subjects (n=50) were exposed to feline dander in a controlled cat–exposure room. Subjects exhibiting mild (2+) or greater symptoms of ocular itching were randomized into two drug treatment groups: group 1 received nedocromil in their right eye and olopatadine in their left eye. Group 2 received nedocromil in their left eye and olopatadine in their right eye. At 5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after the instillation of the study drops, the presence or absence of chemosis and hyperemia was assessed via slit–lamp examination. Ocular itching, ocular burning, tearing, nasal itching and runny nose were measured on a five point ordinal scale via subject questionnaire. Results: Both olopatadine and nedocromil induced a significant reduction of chemosis and hyperemia. The difference between the two drugs over time for chemosis (OR=0.74 p=0.78) and hyperemia (OR=0.65 p=0.92) was not significant. Both regimens significantly reduced tearing, ocular itching, ocular burning and nasal itching, but they did not differ in the rate of reduction (p<0.01). Olopatadine lead to a greater reduction of runny nose symptoms as compared to nedocromil (OR = 1.24, p= 0.01). Conclusions:Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis with olopatadine and nedocromil both lead to a significant reduction of allergic symptoms over time in individuals exposed to cat dander. Olopatadine and nedocromil did not differ significantly in the magnitude or the rate of reduction of allergic symptoms.
Keywords: conjunctivitis • inflammation • anterior segment